There is a more opportunity to socialise and it can be easy to drink more alcohol than you normally would. Craig McNally, Senior Health Promotion Specialist in Argyll & Bute, said: “Drinking more than the recommended responsible drinking limits can prove risky not just for your health but can also increase the risk of accidents. The recommended units for women are 2-3 and 3-4 units for men with a small glass of wine equating to approximately 2 units and a pint of premium lager working out at around 3 units.”
During this period it is also important to remember that many peoples’ homes can become the venue for family and friends to eat, drink and be merry at Christmas but this influx of people can also present its own issues.
Community Fire Officer, David Beggs from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue explained: “Over Christmas, there may be a change in the family unit, for example, a smoker living in a non smoker’s home. This can present new risks which you may not have thought about. Add to that, Christmas trees and lights, wrapping paper and candles – these can all add up to a significant fire hazard. It sounds obvious but it is important to extinguish candles and cigarettes in the proper manner.”
If you are thinking of permanently extinguishing your smoking habit, there is support available from the NHS. Jill Denton from the Smoking Cessation Service based at Campbeltown Hospital detailed: “This time of year can be stressful and therefore a difficult time to consider giving up or cutting down on cigarettes but help is available for people who are considering this as one of their New Year’s resolutions”
“Information, advice and support is available from our advisors who are based throughout Argyll and Bute. They provide one-to-one or group sessions and have great tips to help people give up successfully. We are grateful to Strathclyde Fire and Rescue for joining us to highlight risks of smoking which people many not have considered.”
“Our friendly smoking cessation staff are looking forward to supporting lots of people to ‘extinguish’ their habit for good, in 2009.”
Support to reduce the risk of fire in your home is offered by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue who urge everyone to take up their offer of a free, home fire safety checks for people throughout Strathclyde. David Beggs added: “This is a free service open to everyone at a time to suit their needs. You can book a visit by contacting your local fire station or calling freephone 0800 0731 999. It takes 20 minutes and we can fit smoke alarms to your property for free.”
If you would like more information on the smoking cessation service in your local area please contact Jill Denton on 07768 145324.
Notes to Editors
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue offer free home fire safety checks to residents of Argyll and Bute and can fit free smoke alarms in properties. These visits take 20 minutes and can be booked by contacting the local Fire Station or calling 0800 0731 999. Further information is available on www.dontgivefireahome.com.
The Smoking Cessation Service has advisors throughout Argyll and Bute who can provide information and support for people who would like to quit or are trying to quit smoking. This can be on a one-to-one or group basis. For more information contact Jill Denton, the Smoking Cessation Co-ordinator for Argyll and Bute, NHS Highland on 07768 145324
The recommended responsible drinking limits for Women are 2-3 units and 3-4 units for men.
More information about alcohol, smoking and other health issues can be found on the NHS Highland website at www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/YourHealth.
